Ione Louise Keeler, 84, of Riverdale, MI, peacefully passed away on 06/18/26. She was born in a log cabin in Houghton Lake, MI on 9/4/1941 to Roy and Verna Carrick.
Ione married her sweetheart, Larry Keeler, on March 21, 1959. They spent a lifetime side by side writing their story, one adventure at a time. They had 4 children Danny, Duane, Randal, and Sharle. Together Larry and Ione owned and operated Larry’s Electric for over 55 years. Throughout the years, Ione served many different roles in the company. In the beginning, she was able to balance all of the administrative duties of a full time secretary and a full time homemaker. Later when Ione became a grandma, her days were filled with joy as she watched many of her grandchildren, while their parents worked for the family business.
Ione had a very close circle of friends, who she chatted with on a daily basis. If something was happening in the Riverdale area, Ione was sure to know about it. She was also an avid reader. After reading a book, Ione was always willing to pass it down to others. When Ione did not have a book in her hands, she could often be found putting together a jigsaw puzzle on her special puzzle table made by Larry. In the evening, with a crossword puzzle in hand, Ione would settle down in her favorite chair along with one of her beloved miniature poodles or more recently her cat by her side. Ione was even able to complete puzzles that were categorized as Extremely Difficult. Another thing that Ione will be remembered for is her canning and cooking abilities. Ione created a special dish called “The Keeler Surprise”. She also made an amazing zucchini bread. Her family will treasure the recipes that she left behind. Ione was a great mother, grandmother, and friend to so many. She will truly be missed.
Ione is survived by her sons: Danny (Kathy) Keeler, Duane (Karin) Keeler, and Randal (Michele) Keeler; her daughter Sharle (Randy) Marsh; and her siblings: Dexter (Ginger) Carrick and Diane Sanders. She also has many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry Keeler; her parents Roy and Verna Carrick; and her siblings: Lauren Carrick and Owen Carrick.
Out of respect for Larry and Ione’s wishes, there will be no service. If you wish to make a donation in her memory, please consider the Gratiot County Commission on Aging, Heartland Hospice, or any charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd.
